Rest in Peace Father Paiva

Born in Provoação, Sao Miguel, Azores, son of the late José and Ermelinda Bulhão, Father Paiva attended primary school in Provoação. In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at the Seminary of Angra in Terceira, Azores, and at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore. He was ordained a priest on June 11, 1949 at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence by Bishop Russell J. McVinney.

Father Paiva served as assistant pastor in the following parishes: St. Anthony Parish, Pawtucket (1949-1964); St. Francis Xavier Parish, East Providence (1964-1966); and St. Anthony Parish, West Warwick (1966-1972). In 1972, he was appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Providence, and remained there until his retirement as Pastor Emeritus on June 30, 2001. In addition to his parish duties, Father served also as Dean (Vicar Forane) of Deanery Three (1978-80).

During his retirement, Father Paiva resided at Our Lady of the Rosary Rectory and in his later years, with his niece, Noemia Botelho, and her family.

Calling hours will be on Friday, April 13, 2018 from 4:00 – 7:30 PM in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Traverse Street, Providence, followed by a parish Mass at 7:30 PM.

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of Father’s soul will be offered on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Providence.